AN elderly woman who lost NHS care funding after suffering a brain tumour is being threatened with court action by council bosses.

Perth & Kinross Council say Beryl Godfrey, 90, and her family owe £2192 in nursing home fees.

Frail Beryl, who is also going blind, is facing a further £25,000 in care home bills after the NHS withdrew funding, despite her condition worsening.

She lived in Cambridgeshire until three years ago when she moved to Scotland to be near son John in Kinross.

She was deemed ill enough to qualify for NHS continuing care in England – but not in Scotland.

The family are appealing the NHS decision but Beryl is being pursued over the bill for six weeks care at Kippen House Care Home in Dunning.

A letter from Perth & Kinross Council’s legal head Ian Innes states: “Should you fail to make suitable proposals for settlement within seven days, we will enter into court proceedings and shall seek all legal expenses.”

John, 67, said: “This is an uncaring act against a frail old lady. Do they want mum hauled into court strapped to a bed?

“The council know we are trying to appeal NHS Tayside’s decision but they’ve now decided mum must pay for the nursing care she receives.”

Beryl’s lawyer Paula McMillan said: “We managed to get NHS Tayside to review their decision not to pay for Beryl’s care, but they don’t seem to have told the council, creating even more anxiety for the family.”

Local Labour MP Gordon Banks said: “It’s astonishing the council feel it’s appropriate to take legal action against anyone with such terrible health problems instead of waiting for the appeal.

“I’m sure many will find this utterly repugnant.”

A council spokesman said: “Outwith the provision of free personal care, people are asked to make a contribution towards care services.”